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Eagles Darren Sproles ruled out for Sunday’s game

The Ravens might’ve caught a big break for Sunday’s matchup.

Philadelphia Eagles v Cincinnati Bengals Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Darren Sproles has been one of the most explosive and exciting players to watch in the NFL ever since he came into the league when he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2005. Sproles has been a special talent as a returner and as a threat out of the backfield and he has become a big weapon for rookie quarterback Carson Wentz. The Baltimore Ravens defense have had trouble stopping running backs like Sproles who can create space this season.

Last week against the Washington Redskins, Sproles was hit illegally on a punt return by Washington's Deshazor Everett, who in turn, was fined $24,000 for the hit. He was also fined $24,000 for a blindside block on Eagles tight end Brent Celek on a punt return during that same game. Sproles suffered a concussion on the hit and according to NFL Networks Ian Rappaport, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson announced on Friday that Sproles will not play on Sunday due to his concussion. Sproles has caught 47 receptions for 400 yards and 2 touchdowns to go along with still being a big presence in the return game. Expect Kenjon Barner to take his place in the return duties and running back Ryan Matthews to get more carries out of the backfield.

Even though Sproles is out for Sunday, there are still some key weapons on this Eagles offense that the Ravens must stop to get a win. Guys like Jordan Matthews, Zach Ertz, and Dorial Green-Beckham are all threats in the passing game. The Ravens will also have to find a way to stop the leader of the Eagles passing attack, Carson Wentz, who will be the second rookie quarterback the team will face in the last five weeks without Jimmy Smith. The last one they faced was Dak Prescott and he torched them for 301 yards passing and 3 touchdowns. Can the Ravens stop the Eagles without their top cornerback with no Darren Sproles? We'll see come Sunday.